INDIANAPOLIS -- The Philadelphia 76ers have had to battle through most of the season without their superstar big man, Joel Embiid, and it has caused them to fall short in a season filled with high expectations.

Embiid, the 2022-23 NBA MVP, has played in just 13 games this season, missing time with knee, foot and sinus injuries. He was sidelined for Philadelphia’s first nine games, sat out seven consecutive games in late November and early December and has been sidelined for the past six games.

The news arrived after Embiid missed the previous six games because of a sprained left foot. The seven-time All-Star has only played 13 games this season because of the sprained foot, knee swelling, left knee management, a right sinus fracture, and a three-game suspension.